The Romeo DDA is seeking a new executive director. In the meantime, a veteran downtown manager is taking on the role. With more than two decades of experience and certifications, Cristina Sheppard-Decius, founder of POW! Strategies, will help Romeo continue its success downtown as interim executive director.

“I have not worked with Romeo DDA in the past, but I am familiar with the area and love the historical charm and strengths of its downtown,” said Sheppard-Decius.

Before this role, Sheppard-Decius held multiple positions helping small cities and towns around Metro Detroit bring life and revitalization to their downtown districts. Previous stops include managing and directing roles with Birmingham Shopping District, Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities, Ferndale Downtown Development Authority and providing consulting services to various downtowns across the state. .

Currently Michigan Downtown Association Chairperson, and a Certified Main Street Manager (CMSM), Sheppard-Decius runs agency POW! Strategies, Inc., where she assists businesses and towns with project management, communications, marketing and strategic planning.

“ I wanted to assist more communities achieve the successes I did while in Ferndale – taking that knowledge and sharing it with others to grow and sustain their downtown,” she said. “When you’re an Executive Director of a downtown, you are inspired daily by the local entrepreneurs, so I’ve learned from them that same desire to be an independent business owner.”

Stepping into the interim executive director role for Romeo DDA, Sheppard-Decius will focus on preparing the authority for the future full-time executive director while maintaining business operations and updating communications and organization.

“I plan to provide research and guidance not only on best practices, but also with some future initiatives, grants and programs. Our firm is also assisting with the recruitment of the next executive director, and I will provide on-boarding once hired by the Romeo DDA,” Sheppard-Decius said.

“I look forward to meeting all of the business owners and finding out more about their needs and ideas to share with the DDA board.”